The upside of a booming craft-beer scene is that, along with unprecedented growth and expansion, there's a bevy of new breweries and new beers to try. The downside is that it's difficult to sample them all.

Local beer aficionados will have an opportunity to try a wide variety of offerings from nearly 30 local breweries and cider makers in one place during New Brew Fest, 1-5 p.m. May 10 at Whistle Stop Park in Niwot. The event, produced by Colorado Beer Trail and hosted by Bootstrap Brewing, is a showcase for breweries in and around Boulder and Larimer counties that are all younger than 5 years old.

"It's one-stop shopping," said Leslie Kaczeus, who, along with husband Steve, co-founded Bootstrap Brewing in Niwot in June 2012.

But while participating in festivals and events has proved to be a great way to gain exposure for Bootstrap, she said, it can be difficult to stand out when you're pouring alongside bigger, more widely known breweries.

Scott Conlin, co-founder of Colorado Beer Trail, which helps to promote and market Colorado's craft-beer scene, has heard this sentiment echoed many times during his visits to small breweries around the state. With Bootstrap's help, he created New Brew Fest to offer new local breweries an added boost just as they're getting going.

"We wanted to offer (new breweries) some extra exposure while also providing their own space to pour beers and spend time talking with potential customers," he said.

There are currently more than 200 breweries in Colorado, according to the Colorado Brewers Guild. According to Conlin's research, only 28 of those breweries distribute their beers out of state. Most are built around a smaller business model and distribute beers from a tasting room or in limited quantities to local restaurants and liquor stores.

"Breweries approach their business in all kinds of different ways," Conlin said. "From people who want to be their local, social brewpub to folks with ambitions to go national right away — no one exactly repeats another's model."

"The entire country is seeing growth in craft beer, and that's happening in different ways," said Steve Kurowski, spokesman for the Colorado Brewers Guild. "In Colorado, we're seeing lots of new breweries opening up and lots of brewery expansions. I don't see us slowing down in the considerable future.

"The philosophy out there is almost that every neighborhood deserves a brewery," he continued. "These new, smaller breweries are forced to be creative, as well as brew quality beer, and they're coming out with some very specialized styles. That creates more options for beer lovers to go out and try."

Local beer lovers will have the opportunity to sample from among more than 75 beers spanning a wide variety of styles at New Brew Fest.

The event also also feature music, food trucks, games and child-friendly features. Ticketed guests receive a commemorative glass, program guide and unlimited sampling. A VIP ticket is also available that includes early access to the event and other perks. Full pours of Bootstrap beers will be available for purchase a la carte.

Shuttles ($8 per person round trip) will run to and from Sanitas Brewing Co. in Boulder, Asher Brewing in Gunbarrel and 300 Suns Brewing in Longmont.

"We're still very much building our brand and trying to get as much exposure as possible," said Leslie Kaczeus of Bootstrap.

And events such as New Brew Fest help ensure that even the smallest nanobreweries have their day in the sun.

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